Rafael Nadal's uncle did not tell him that he's quitting as Rafa's coach

Madrid: Toni Nadal, the uncle and coach of Rafael Nadal, announced earlier that he will not accompany his nephew after the end of the 2017 season. But there’s one problem; Toni forgot to inform Nadal about his decision.

Nadal’s spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that the 14 Grand Slam winner was not aware of his uncle’s decision till he read the interview, according to Fox Sports.

Toni has been Nadal’s first and only coach till the end of 2016, when former World No. 1 Carlos Moya joined his coaching team. In an interview with L’Equipe, the coach revealed that he and Nadal would part ways at the end of the current season. Toni also revealed that he had decided about it before the Australian Open and informed his brother (Rafa’s father) and Carlos Moya. He didn’t tell Nadal about his decision as the uncle didn’t want his nephew to get distracted.

Now in an interview with The New York Times, Toni said that he should have spoken with Rafa before making the announcement.

“My error,” Toni said. “If I thought it was big news, I would not have said it there in Budapest in that setting.”

Toni, 57, also informed that he has explained his decision to Nadal.

“He was a little bit surprised at the start, but we have explained it to him well,” Toni said, according to AFP.

Under Toni’s guidance, in a 27-year long partnership, Nadal has amassed 69 singles titles, including a record 9 French Open titles.